As the ninth issue of this series, the New Hampshire American Innovation Dollar was issued in 2021. Mr. Ralph Baer invented the first home video game console based on the coin.
In 1966, Ralph Baer, the engineer who oversaw a group of 500 military contractors, had an idea: develop a technology that would allow people to interact directly with their televisions, which were becoming ubiquitous in American homes. The first video game system was patented in March of 1971 after Baer and a small team of researchers spent five years developing and experimenting with multiple prototypes. The following year, in the summer of 1972, Baer and his team licensed their system to Magnavox, which sold 130,000 Odyssey units in its first year, earning Baer the title of “father of video games.”
In 1966, Baer created the $90 billion industry that bears his name today. He died at his Manchester, N.H., home on Saturday, December 6th. His legacy extends beyond the games he helped create and the industry he helped start, says Art Molella, Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center director. Molella says he was a very creative and decent man who was very humble. He was a powerhouse. “He represents the American legacy about invention. He is an incredible American story.”
American Innovation Dollar Characteristics
A depiction on the right side of the reverse design reads, “United States of America.” The left side includes the caption, “Player 1” and “New Hampshire.” Additional inscriptions appear, saying, “In-Home Video Game System” and “Ralph Baer.” Christina Hess engraved the reverse design. Eric David Custer designed the front.
2021 South Carolina Septima Clark – American Innovation Dollars
Authorizing Legislation: H.R. 770, American Innovation $1 Coin Act
Click here to buy the 2021 New Hampshire Innovation Dollar on eBay
Dollar Obverse Inscriptions
In God We Trust
$1
Dollar Reverse Inscriptions
United States of America
Player 1
In-Home Video Game System
Ralph Baer
Incused Edge Inscriptions
2021
Mint Mark
E Pluribus Unum
Mint & Dollar Mint Marks
Denver and Philadelphia in Business Strikes
San Francisco in Proof and Reverse Proof Strikes
Available Dollar Mint Strikes
Business, Proof & Reverse Proof
American Innovation Dollar Specifications
Composition: 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese and 2% Nickel
Weight: 8.1 grams
Thickness: 2.0mm
Edge: Incused Letter
Diameter: 26.49mm
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